This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some of these cookies are essential to make our site work and others help us to improve by giving us some insight into how the site is being used.

Transport Scotland grant funds organisations for both building infrastructure and behaviour change interventions (such as mapping, signage and information on routes, cycle training, cycle loan schemes, led walks), to encourage more people to walk and cycle more often. These include Paths for All, Cycling Scotland, Sustrans and Local Authorities across Scotland.

The Scottish Government has also confirmed in the Programme for Government that it will maintain record levels of funding for Active Travel for the duration of this Parliament. This funding will also help to deliver our commitment to the shared vision as reiterated in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland 2017-2020 that by 2020 10% of everyday journeys will be by bike.

It goes without saying that walking and cycling benefits the individual with not just physical health benefits, but benefits for mental health, the environment and keeping people's transport costs down. Transport Scotland is committed to making it easier for everyone to incorporate active travel choices into their daily routines.

The benefits

Transport Scotland is committed to increasing cycling levels, both for everyday travel and for leisure, because it brings significant benefits to all involved.

Approximately 34% of all car journeys in Scotland are less than two miles in length and could be covered by bicycle or on foot instead. The benefits of more people cycling and walking include:

easing congestion

reducing noise pollution

cutting exhaust emissions

improving health

giving us more time to enjoy our urban spaces

saving money

For businesses and other organisations, developing a cycling and walking culture can help:

Route design guidance

In June 2010 we published Cycling by Design, which offers extensive guidance on providing cycle paths. This ensures consistency and quality across Scotland's many cycle routes. The publication also includes guidance for walkers and other non-motorised users, together with guidance on access for disabled people and improved integrated transport solutions.

Transport Scotland requires consultants and contractors working on trunk road projects to follow the guidance within Cycling by Design. It is also commended to local authorities and others developing cycling infrastructure in Scotland.

Our action plan

In June 2013, the Scottish Government developed the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland It sets out the Government's commitment to improve the cycling experience in Scotland.

Our shared vision is that by 2020, 10% of all everyday journeys will be made by bicycle.

National Cycle Network

The National Cycle Network (NCN) is developed by Sustrans and Transport Scotland is taking an active role in helping them deliver key sections of it.

We have helped in the delivery of the following projects:

A828 Oban to Ballachullish

A82 Fort Willian to Inverness Great Glen

A835 / A9 Inverness to Dingwall Community and Commuting Link

A86 Laggan Community Links and Link to A9 NCN Cycleway

A82 Fort William to Torlundy Community Link and World Mountain Bike Link